Chapter Thirty Three
Carlisle
We took Nathaniel back with us to the house while Edward ensured Bella got home safely, not that I thought she was in any danger from the nomad but it would be far easier if she were not present when we talked. Once inside I invited him to sit but he seemed fascinated by the house and its art work then singled out the piano.
"You play Carlisle?"
"No, my son Edward does though, he's very good. and you?"
Nathaniel smiled and sat down at the piano lifting the lid and running his fingers lightly over the keys before answering.
"I used to but I'm probably rusty now."
"Please, play something for us."
Nathaniel looked over at Esme and bowed his head,
"If you insist."
We were enthralled as he played piece after piece, Bach, Brahms, Strauss, nothing seemed to be beyond him, and when he finally finished with a slight bow lowering the lid we all applauded.
"That was amazing. I'm sure Edward will be fascinated to talk to you once he returns."
"Yes, he's taking the human somewhere I suppose. How is it you tolerate a human among you Carlisle?"
We hunt animals Nathaniel, not humans and the human girl is Edward's girlfriend."
"Girlfriend? I see, he controls his thirst well, I've never seen a vampire with so much control around his singer, I didn't think it was possible."
"Singer?"
Nathaniel turned his gaze to Rosalie,
"Why yes, hadn't he told you? Of course you wouldn't know unless he admitted it but that's my gift or curse depending how you see it, I spot singers, I was quite useful to the Volturi at one time. The draw of a singers blood can be quite powerful, knowing who is attracted to who meant the Volturi could choose their allies with confidence. I mention the Volturi only because I know you Carlisle were one some time back."
"I was a friend living with the Volturi, I was never a member of the Volturi myself Nathaniel."
He got up and shrugged,
"No matter, everyone has a different story to tell in our world. I am curious though, is it not highly dangerous having a human in your circle of friends?"
"No, we trust Bella and Edward is in love with her, things will work themselves out."
"Really? I certainly hope so Carlisle. I should leave, I don't want to impose."
"Please stay Nathaniel, I'm sure Edward will want to hear you play. Music is his world."
"Thank you Mrs Cullen, it would be nice to spend a few hours among friends and in a house. I miss the finer points of human life at times and company. There are so few of our kind who are sociable."
Edward
I had no idea what to say to Bella, how to explain how dangerous it was for us to be found associating with her. I could only hope that Carlisle could talk his way out of this or we could all be in danger of our lives. I thought about nothing else on the way home until Bella interrupted my reverie,
"This is a dangerous situation isn't it?"
"No, Carlisle will sort it out, he's quite the diplomat Bella."
"But you are afraid."
She really thought I was scared! I could kill the nomad and not blink an eye if he threatened me and Carlisle always knew the right thing to say. I could read some of her thoughts more clearly because she was scared herself, for us mostly which was very touching.
As I drew up at the house Bella waited for me to open her door for her knowing her father was at work so she didn't need to go straight inside. I knew she wanted me to stay with her a while, I knew she was apprehensive but I also knew she was nowhere near as frightened as the family would be. They needed me there to read his thoughts and decisions, I didn't have time to worry about Bella's petty concerns.
"I can't stay Bella, the family need me."
"What about me? I need you too Edward. Won't you stay at least a little while?"
I sighed a little heavily to show her I was perturbed by her request.
"OK Bella just for a few minutes. I'll make sure you are in safely but then I have to go."
She pulled away from me angrily and I could feel I had disappointed and hurt her feelings but she would get over it and I was beginning to find that she wasn't as important to me as I had thought. She had served her purpose in proving to me that I was stronger than the average vampire. I like her yes but I was no longer sure I loved her, at least not enough to put her safety above that of the family, of myself. However I followed her to the front door taking the key from her trembling fingers though I knew the tremor was one of anger not fear.
"I can do it."
I smiled down at her and fitted the key in the lock turning it and pushing the front door open.
"Don't be mad at me Bella, I'm only doing what I think is best. If I go back to the house I will know what the nomad is going to do so I can warn Carlisle. If he poses a threat we will deal with it, if I think you are in any danger I promise to return but I have to go. I'll check the house first for you though I doubt he's lurking around waiting to leap out on you."
She snatched the keys from me and threw her bag to the floor before speaking,
"Just go Edward, I'm perfectly OK and that's where you want to be so just go."
"Very well. I'm sure once you calm down you will understand its for the best. I understand you are scared but I won't let anything happen to you and I assure you I am a match for any nomad."
"Fine."
"I'll come back as soon as I can, if not before then I'll pick you up in the morning and take you out to breakfast."
"Don't bother, I'll get my own."
I smiled at her patiently and leaned in to kiss her but she drew back.
"I really don't feel like it tonight Edward, just go."
I was hurt by her thoughts, she considered I should stay with her under the circumstances. After all I had professed my love for her and I should be there to keep her safe as there was danger from a nomad. Human girls were so self centered although I hadn't seen it in Bella until today and that was a let down. She wasn't quite as perfect for me as I had imagined but I was still very fond of her so I snatched a kiss anyway and then ran back to my car and drove off not looking back, she was sure to have shut the door once I turned away.
Bella
I watched Edward drive away without a backward glance and decided that he and I weren't really that compatible. I know I should have let him go straight back but there were plenty of Cullens to take care of the nomad and I was scared. I had no idea what might happen or if the nomad might come looking for me. I needed a little reassurance from my boyfriend but he wasn't interested. I liked Edward, I liked the Cullens but I wasn't sure I really wanted to be a part of their life or their family.
If pushed for an answer I would have to say I liked Esme, Alice, and Emmett as much if not more than Edward. There was just something a little self absorbed about him and that wasn't something I liked in a guy although I'd never really played that game, what do you look for in a boyfriend? However I thought about it now, what did I look for in a guy? Sincerity, gentleness, some intellect but not necessarily a brain box, a sense of fun. The same thing most girls wanted I guess. Edward outwardly seemed to tick all the boxes which only went to show that what you thought you wanted wasn't necessarily what you really did want.